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Nashville Press

FCC Chairman Martin? It's Time for You to Resign
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has stubbornly and willfully relied on faulty intelligence that does not reflect reality outside of a certain Beltway bubble. He has proved he's all about serving his special interests, not those of the average American consumer.
Advertising Age - December 13, 2006
Nashville Commissioner May Hold Key FCC Vote
The FCC's road show may have left town, but what happens to the future of media rules may end up coming back to Nashville after all. Music City resident Deborah Taylor Tate is relatively new to the Commission and has yet to take a firm stand.
Nashville City Paper - December 13, 2006
George Jones, Other Artists Testify at FCC Hearing
Country music legend George Jones was one of several country artists testifying at an FCC hearing in Nashville. The hearing, one of six such regional affairs scheduled around the U.S., is exploring the subject of media ownership.
Country Music Television - December 12, 2006
Nancy Jones, Gerry House Battle on the Airwaves
Nancy Jones, wife of country music legend George Jones, squared off with Clear Channel radio host Gerry House on a popular Nashville radio program in the aftermath of the FCC hearing on media ownership.
Tennessean - December 12, 2006
Society of Professional Journalists Offers Comment at FCC Hearing
The Society of Professional Journalists urged the FCC to cast the net wider in searching for public input and present empirical evidence and testimony from news rooms and journalists about the existing impact of changes in media consolidation.
Society of Professional Journalists - December 12, 2006
Media Execs, Singers Voice Opinion at FCC Hearing
Singers and songwriters took their complaints to the FCC, voicing their opinion that having fewer media owners operating the bulk of radio stations is making it difficult for artists to be heard. (Video 2:45)
WKRN-TV Nashville - December 12, 2006
FCC Under Fire at Nashville Ownership Meeting
The second FCC public hearing on media ownership rule changes was held in Nashville. Although Commissioner Tate hails from the Music City, it was Commissioners Copps and Adelstein who spoke out against the loosening of ownership rules.
FMBQ - December 12, 2006
FCC Hears Arguments for, Against Easing Ownership Rules
The FCC heard calls for easing media ownership curbs and arguments over newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership during the evening portion of a Nashville hearing on media consolidation.
TV Week - December 12, 2006
FCC Hears from Country Stars
Country music legends and new stars told the FCC about their personal experiences with the detrimental effects of media consolidation to the FCC at a public hearing in Nashville.
Radio & Records - December 12, 2006
Tennessean Talk at Center of Cross Ownership Debate
After hearing from a who's who of the county music scene in Nashville, the FCC turned its attention to a number of local broadcasters and news producers to consider the consequences of allowing more "cross ownership" of local media outlets.
Nashville City Paper - December 12, 2006
Media Consolidation Limits Voices
One of the consequences of relaxing the rules on ownership of media has been a form of censorship: A limiting of voices in the public dialogue that is so important to our representative democracy.
Perspectives on Faith - December 12, 2006
FCC Hearing Draws Stars, Activists
It was clear from public comments made to the FCC Commissioners -- as well as from the scores of out-of-town activists representing every political stripe -- that shrinking country radio playlists are but one issue at stake regarding media consolidation.
Tennessean - December 12, 2006
Reactions to Media Consolidation in Nashville
Several good sound bites came out of the Nashville hearing. For instance, "Cowboy" Troy Coleman said, "if my music is good enough for the Grand Ole Opry, I humbly submit that it's good enough for the radio."
Tennessean - December 12, 2006
The FCC Let Me Be Me
Conservative talk radio dominates the airwaves around Nashville, thanks to Clear Channel ownership of the two most prominent stations while liberal talk shows are considered "risky" despite good ratings.
Liberadio - December 12, 2006
Nashville Liberadio Interviews FCC Commissioner Michael Copps
FCC Commissioner Michael Copps, one of only two democrats that sit on the commission, discusses the significance of the Nashville public hearing, the proposed fcc rule changes, and public owenership of the airwaves. (Audio 18.00)
Liberadio - December 12, 2006
Country Legends Plead with FCC to Stop Radio Consolidation
Throughout the Honky Tonks in Nashville, George Jones' music is a staple. But on the radio, the 75-year-old Country Music Hall of Fame inductee is "too old" and "just too country" to get played by media conglomerates focused on their bottom line.
Nashville City Paper - December 12, 2006
FCC Hearing Draws Major Voices Among Local Media
Several major players in Tennessee's media community testified before the FCC on whether it should ease restrictions on media consolidation, including Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) who spoke against loosening the rule for media consolidation.
Tennessean - December 12, 2006
The Labor View: Media Conglomerates Bad for Democracy
Media consolidation is bad if you like in-depth information provided independently, prefer local community news, you appreciate diversity of opinion and vigorous debate, or if you have a perspective that often runs counter to that of Corporate America.
Columbian - December 12, 2006
Country Stars to FCC: Protect Radio
Music stars like George Jones, Porter Wagoner, Naomi Judd and Dobie Gray warned the FCC against allowing single entities to buy up more local outlets during the second FCC field hearing on media consolidation.
Hollywood Reporter - December 12, 2006
Media Ownership Debate Hits Music City
FCC Commissioner Michael Copps said America's deal with commercial broadcasting "has gotten wildly out of whack." Copps and 3 other commissioners were on hand in Nashville for a public hearing on media ownership.
Radio Ink - December 12, 2006
FCC Revisits Ownership Rules at Belmont University
When many think of the FCC, the first thing they think of is the obscenity cases involving Howard Stern or Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction. The government agency, however, also regulates ownership of media outlets. (Video 2:37)
WKRN-TV Nashville - December 11, 2006
Post-Gazette Union Employees Hold Rally
As part of a "day of action" held nationwide by the Communications Workers of America, members of the Pittsburg Post-Gazette's 14 unions made a public case for their jobs amid contract negotiations with owner Block Communications.
Pittsburgh Business Times - December 11, 2006
Nashville Citizens and Stars Hammer Big Media
People came to Nashville from at least six states to share their views with the FCC. The vast majority of the 170 who stood up to testify opposed any FCC effort to remove the last remaining curbs to media consolidation.
StopBigMedia.com - December 11, 2006
Country Stars Testify at FCC Hearing
At Belmont University, country stars turned out to voice their opinion against companies buying up lots of radio stations. Artists said it robs local radio stations from making their own programming decisions. (Video 3:03)
WKRN-TV Nashville - December 11, 2006
Copps Cheered in Nashville
Democratic FCC Commissioner Michael Copps was a big hit at the public hearing on media ownership. His remarks were interrupted time and again by applause and cheers as he pounded on the FCC's ownership rules.
Broadcasting & Cable - December 11, 2006
FCC Hears It from Open Mikers
During the open-mike session of the FCC media ownership hearing in Nashville, the FCC heard from some angry Tennesseans on the subject of media consolidation.
Broadcasting & Cable - December 11, 2006
Singers, Songwriters Speak Out Against Media Consolidation in Public FCC Hearing
Radio consolidation is shrinking playlists and creating a homogenized musical landscape, several singers and songwriters told the FCC at a public hearing on media ownership in Nashville.
Associated Press - December 11, 2006
Country Artists Croon Sad Tune for FCC
At its second public hearing on the hotly contested issue, held in Nashville, four FCC Commissioners listened as country legends including George Jones and Porter Wagoner said that more consolidation has translated into fewer and shorter radio playlists.
Variety - December 11, 2006
Music Legends Join Everyday Nashville Citizens to Speak Out Against Big Media
More than 500 Nashville residents joined country music legends at Belmont University's Massey Performing Arts Center today to speak out against media consolidation. Dozens of people came from at least six states to share their views with the FCC.
Free Press - December 11, 2006
Singers, Songwriters Voice Opinions on Media Ownership
The FCC gathered input from singers, songwriters and musicians during a public hearing on media ownership in Nashville. Despite studies that show consolidation has detrimental effects diverse programming, media companies want to gobble up more outlets.
Associated Press - December 11, 2006
FCC'S Nashville Media Hearing Now Underway
The second of six hearings on media ownership and payola rules is being held in Nashville today. To stream online, go to StopBigMedia.com.
TV Newsday - December 11, 2006
Big Turnout Expected at Nashville Hearing Today
The second official FCC hearing on ownershipis underway in Nashville, Tenn. Four FCC Commissioners should be arriving to a packed house -- according to Nashville's CBS affiliate, "seating is expected to be tight" in the 1,000 seat Massey Concert Hall.
StopBigMedia.com - December 11, 2006
McDowell Can't Make Ownership Hearing
Republican FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell won't be at the media ownership hearing in Nashville Monday. He is busy reading up on the AT&T-BellSouth merger.
Broadcasting & Cable - December 11, 2006
Stars in Town for FCC Hearings
The FCC is making its way across the country for public hearings about the rules governing media ownership. Several big names will be in Nashville to testify, like Naomi Judd, George Jones and Porter Wagoner. Seating is expected to be tight.
WTVF-TV Nashville - December 11, 2006
Stand Up for Journalism
A "Day of Action" is taking place today as newsroom reporters, commercial employees, television technicians, writers and other workers in the news industry are standing up to media owners and corporations.
Communications Workers of America - December 11, 2006
Broadcasters Ask FCC to Loosen Ownership Rules
More than 30 media companies and organizations -- including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Gannett, Tribune, Belo, Clear Channel, and the National Association of Broadcasters filed a joint comment to the FCC in support of more media consolidation.
Media Week - December 11, 2006
Bizarro FCC Public Hearing?
Limits on media consolidation have been a historically effective defense against the concentration of economic power that can and will, when left unchecked, restrict the free flow of discourse and ideas.
Liberadio - December 10, 2006
FCC Comes to Nashville to Talk About Rights of Free Expression
The FCC will be in Nashville today for a public hearing on media ownership. Nashville -- home to more than 80 record labels, 130 music publishers, and 5,000 working musicians -- is also home to Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate.
Tennessean - December 10, 2006
FCC Meeting Crucial
A hearing will be held on Dec. 11 that could literally help shape the future face of democracy in our country. The FCC will hold a public hearing in Nashville on the topic of continued media consolidation.
Nashville City Paper - December 8, 2006
Vanderbilt Professors and Music Stars Testify Before FCC
Several country music celebrities are scheduled to testify at an FCC public hearing Dec. 11 in Nashville that media consolidation hurts the musicn industry, while two Vanderbilt University professors will argue on behalf of media consolidation
Vanderbilt University - December 8, 2006
Media Consolidation Foes Make Wonderful Bedfellows
Hopefully all of the FCC Commissioners will listen to what they hear in Nashville and understand it is their duty to uphold the current media rules and consider new ways in which to drive creativity and localism back into American life.
Seattle Times - December 8, 2006
Rep. Cooper Urges Nashvillians to Participate in FCC Media Ownership Hearing
Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) is urging Nashvillians and all Middle Tennessee residents to take part in the upcoming FCC public hearing on media ownership that has been announced for December 11 -- by attending the hearing or writing a comment.
Tennessee Independent Media Center - December 8, 2006
FCC Brings Media Consolidation Forum to Nashville
FCC Commissioners will hear from country music stars such as Naomi Judd and George Jones as well as songwriters, corporate broadcasters, independent programmers, and others from the recording industry at a public hearing in Nashville on Dec. 11.
Nashville City Paper - December 8, 2006
Help the Needy -- Radio Consolidators
The radio industry got everything they wanted in 1996 with passage of the Telecom Act. And all they've proven in 10 years is that they couldn't run more than two stations in a market even with a virtual monopoly. Now they want another bite of the apple?
Inside Music Media - December 8, 2006
My Clear Channel Spin-off Fantasy
Clear Channel should sell the 448 radio stations back to as many small operators as possible. Remember where all this radio value came from in the first place -- independent operators with relatively small groups satisfying their audiences.
Inside Music Media - December 7, 2006
Academics, Others Join Broadcasters to Speak at Nashville Ownership Hearing
Radio broadcasters will be joined by recording artists, academics, and LPFM representatives at the FCC public hearing in Nashville on Dec. 11.
Radio World - December 7, 2006
FCC Paneling in Nashville
The Dec. 11 FCC hearing on media ownership has an interesting lineup for panelists that includes country stars, university professors and entertainment union representatives. The hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Belmont University's Massey Center.
Nashville Scene - December 6, 2006
Country Legends to Testify at FCC Hearing in Nashville
On Dec. 11 in Nashville, legendary country musicians George Jones, Porter Wagoner, Naomi Judd, Dobie Gray and Craig Wiseman will testify about media consolidation's impact on musicians at an official FCC media ownership hearing.
Free Press - December 6, 2006
Battle for the Airwaves
Nashville could be a pivotal locale for anti-FCC ire because of its high concentration of artists experiencing firsthand the dearth of opportunities to get their art into the marketplace.
Nashville Scene - December 6, 2006
Atiendan la Audiencia del Comisión Federal de Comunicaciónes (FCC), Nashville
The FCC is holding an official hearing on media ownership on Dec. 11 at 1:00. This is a chance to let your voice be heard about the corporate ownership of the media and its affect on our newspapers, TV, and radio.
La Noticia - December 5, 2006
FCC to Hear Country Stars' Tales of Woe
Porter Wagoner, George Jones, Dobie Gray, Naomi Judd and Craig Wiseman are among the singer/songwriters who have tentatively agreed to testify at the FCC public hearing on media ownership in Nashville on Dec. 11.
Reuters - December 5, 2006
FCC to Host Media Ownership Hearing at Belmont University
Public comment at the FCC media ownership hearing in Nashville will follow two panel discussions that will tackle issues regarding the music recording industry, the Nashville market and issues affecting broadcasters and independent programmers.
Tennessean - December 4, 2006
Broad-Based Coalition Mobilizes for FCC Hearing in Nashville
On Dec. 11 in Nashville, all five FCC Commissioners will meet face-to-face with the public to discuss sweeping changes to the nation's media ownership rules. A broad-based coalition of local and national groups is urging their members to attend.
Free Press - December 4, 2006
Time and Place Set for FCC Ownership Hearing in Nashville
The time and place has now been set for the next official FCC hearing on media ownership on Dec. 11. It will be held at Belmont University at 1:00 p.m.
Broadcasting & Cable - December 2, 2006
FCC Announces Details for Public Hearing on Media Ownership in Nashville
The FCC announced further details of its Nashville field hearing regarding media ownership. There will be two panels, each followed by a period for public comment.
Federal Communications Commission - December 1, 2006
Belmont University to Host FCC Public Hearing
Belmont University will host an official FCC public hearing regarding media ownership on December 11 at 1 p.m. in the Massey Performing Arts Center on the Belmont campus.
Belmont University - December 1, 2006